CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The unrelenting spread of the coronavirus forced Nevada to cancel most of its in-person Veterans Day events to protect former service members and their families.

Nevada has more than 200,000 veterans who served in wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as World War II.

They make up about 10% of the state population. Nevada has long-term care facilities for veterans in Sparks and Boulder City. In total, the two homes have reported 100 cases and six deaths among residents and staff since the start of the pandemic.

Officials say the well being of Nevada's veteran population depends on quickly containing the virus.